Is Mercedes-AMG Really Planning an Electric Rival to the Porsche 911?
Rumors have been swirling, and it’s not just idle chatter—Mercedes-AMG is seriously considering building a high-performance electric two-door coupe. The idea? To go toe-to-toe with the iconic Porsche 911, a car that’s been the gold standard for sports coupes for decades. But before you picture a silent AMG streaking past a 911 on your favorite mountain road, there’s a big question mark: does the world actually want this car?
Why Is AMG Hesitating on a Two-Door Electric Sports Car?
Let’s get one thing straight—AMG isn’t worried about whether they can build a jaw-dropping electric sports coupe. The technology is there. They’ve already flexed their muscles with the upcoming four-door electric GT and teased a super-SUV that shares its platform. The real sticking point is market demand. AMG boss Michael Schiebe summed it up perfectly: emotionally, the team wants to build it. Rationally, they’re not sure enough buyers are out there to justify the massive investment.
This isn’t just corporate hand-wringing. The electric vehicle (EV) market, especially for luxury sports cars, is in a weird spot. While EV sales are growing globally—up 31% in 2023 according to the International Energy Agency—luxury buyers are still showing a preference for traditional engines, especially in the sports car segment. Porsche, for example, has only just begun offering hybrid versions of the 911, and a fully electric 911 isn’t expected until well into the 2030s.
How Would an Electric AMG Coupe Stack Up Against the Competition?
If AMG gives the green light, the electric coupe wouldn’t replace the current two-door GT, which only launched in 2023. Instead, it would be a stablemate, built on a new platform that borrows tech from AMG’s electric sedans and SUVs. The most likely inspiration? The AMG GTXX concept, a car that’s already turning heads with its tri-motor setup and compact, lightweight axial flux motors from Yas. We’re talking up to 1,341 horsepower—numbers that make even the wildest 911 look tame.
That’s not just for show. Axial flux motors are a big leap forward, offering more power in a smaller, lighter package. This means better handling, quicker acceleration, and, yes, the kind of performance that could make Porsche engineers sweat a little.
What’s Holding AMG Back from Going All-In?
It’s not just about horsepower and 0-60 times. The real challenge is convincing enough buyers to make the switch. Luxury sports car enthusiasts are a passionate bunch, and for many, the sound and feel of a combustion engine are part of the magic. Even as the world moves toward electrification, there’s a lingering skepticism—will an electric AMG coupe deliver the same thrill?
Schiebe hints that AMG might still build the car, even if it’s not a guaranteed money-maker. Sometimes, he says, you make a car because it’s important for the brand, not just the bottom line. Think of it as a halo car, something that shapes the brand’s image and shows what’s possible, even if it’s not the next best-seller.
When Could We Actually See This Electric AMG Coupe?
Don’t hold your breath for a 2025 launch. With the current slowdown in EV adoption in some markets and luxury buyers’ hesitance, AMG is playing the long game. They’re focusing on their successful combustion GT for now, keeping a close eye on market trends. If and when the time is right, they’ll be ready to pounce.
It’s also worth noting that Porsche is following a similar path. The brand is easing into electrification with hybrids before making the leap to a fully electric 911. This cautious approach reflects the reality of the market: change is coming, but it’s not going to happen overnight.
What’s the Real Impact for Sports Car Fans?
If AMG does move forward, it could be a game-changer—not just for Mercedes, but for the entire sports car landscape. Imagine a world where electric coupes aren’t just about efficiency, but pure, unfiltered driving excitement. The technology is ready, the desire is there, and the competition is heating up.
The big takeaway? The future of high-performance coupes isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re a die-hard petrolhead or an EV enthusiast, the next chapter in sports cars promises to be anything but boring.